Day 8
The rain did start during the night, and wasn't expected to pause until late morning.
One positive of the rain was Cohoes Falls was roaring.
Things were going great on this shortest leg of the trip until 2 miles out from the finish line… a flat tire.
I was certain of one thing: I wasn't going to be pushing my bike across the finish. A quick stop and opening of the repair kit had me back in action.
15 minutes of repair work and 10 minutes of riding had me at the end of my journey.
An unforgettable journey. I met so many incredibly interesting people. I can't wait to see what adventure comes next. I already have a few ideas…
Day 7
After the pop-up storm last night there was a rainbow just beyond our campsite.
The fruit of our labor going up Canajoharie Hill were redeemed this morning with a breezy decent into town before hitting the trail.
A bit into riding there were some great views along the Canal, Mohawk River, and Schoharie Creek.
We had a fantastic welcome at Pattersonville Volunteer Fire Department. They were collecting donations, had a good spread of food available, and a string band.
Getting into camp was the usual setup routine. Expecting storms to start around 3:00 am. So, important to really have the tent secure tonight.
After dinner dinner was a talent show. A range of acts from instruments to comedy.
Winding down and ready for storms. Tomorrow is a smooth 27 miles into the finish line in Albany.
Day 6
Let's start with a few pictures I took after yesterday evening’s storm passed.
We were camping at Fort Stanwix National Monument.
They had soldiers in period dress.
I went to sleep early, around 9:00, then was up at 5:00 to pack up camp.
Breakfast was at the local YMCA.
Our first rest stop, about 20 miles into the planned 60, was near the Utica Historic Marina building.
About 25 miles later, past the second rest stop, was an opportunity to see Canal Lock 17. At 40.5 feet, the lock is one of the highest lifts for a single lock chamber in the world.
Living near a bunch of locks along the Allegheny River, the photos don't do the size of this justice.
The day of trending downhill ended with a one mile long climb, gaining back all the decent plus more. It was a beast of a hill. So much so the local chamber of commerce here in Canajoharie, New York sold t-shirts at the top!
Got into camp, set up my gear, and watched the caterers cooking the riders a BBQ dinner. Looks like it'll be delicious.
Overall a fantastic day!
Day 5
Today was a race against the rain. Not many pictures taken along the way.
I did get one while going through the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park.
Got into Rome, New York and set up camp with an hour to spare before the storm rolled in.
We were able to hunker down across the street under an overhang.
Tomorrow is planned to be just over 60 miles, but after that the miles taper off leading to the end of the trip.
Day 4
A short day, 40 planned miles.
Checking the weather the night before, things looked all clear overnight. Decided to keep with the routine of keeping the rain fly off for more ventilation. Woke up at 2:30am to an unexpected rain shower and had to rush to put it on. Not the best start to a day, but it all worked out.
Real ask up time was 6:00am for the now usual routine of pack up camp, grab breakfast, and hit the road. I was off on my way at 7:00.
Early in the day we went past the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.
Next up was the Fort Byron Old Erie Canal Heritage Park.
Then in Jordan, New York I ran into Scout Troop 52/1G and Brownie Troop 61000. I was able to grab a hot dog and some Girl Scout cookies. Thank you to the young men and women for setting up the booths.
Howevet, the highlight of the rest stop in Jordan was meeting Mona the dachshund dressed in historical canal worker garb.
Leaving Jordan was an aqueduct.
Shortly after I came upon the Brian McNeil Place Memorial Garden along side the canal. Brian's sister and family were passing out popsicles and water. It was wonderful talking and hearing about how much he loved to run along the trail.
The tour had a wonderful welcome into Camillus, New York, our half way point on the trail.
Then, 5 miles, mostly uphill, into our campsite: a park next to the Syracuse Zoo.
A famously Irish neighborhood, a stop for a Guinness was warranted.
A very eventful day!
